Focus on living: interior design at Ambiente.

Designs for tableware, kitchen, storage and giftware were among those offered by 177 Hong Kong companies attending Ambiente 2009, where the mood was surprisingly buoyant.

"At a time when consumers have become more discerning and cautious, it is very important for the trade to have the right sales arguments ready," said Nicolette Naumann, Vice President for Messe Frankfurt, organiser of the event.

Among the Hong Kong exhibitors inspiring visitors this year was Stechcol Hong Kong, which specialises in fine bone china and porcelain tableware, together with original decal designs for ceramics, glassware and enamelware.

"We are aiming to go global as a company, and exhibit at Ambiente for the third year running to meet new European buyers who want to stock high-end international brands," said Sales Director, Chim Kim Chong. "We had a very good show, and received a lot of enquiries and orders from countries worldwide."

Chim: a lot of orders.

Pat Mah: opportunity for rapport.

"Naturally, we are concerned about the economic crisis, but our strategy is to support our customers as much as we can, which means accepting smaller orders and being flexible on price."

Pat Mah, Executive Chairman of Hong Kong's Daka said his company saw Ambiente more as a "browsing" show than an "order writing" trade fair.

Buyers take notes at stands.

"The benefit of exhibiting at Ambiente is that we have an opportunity to establish a rapport with potential European customers who are interested in our multi-award winning One Touch can opener and other product ranges," Mah explained. "Originally, we launched the can opener for senior citizens who had difficulty using their hands, but it proved so popular that we are now targeting the mainstream market place and believe it is a growing market."

Mah said the group is establishing relationships with new companies, especially from Eastern Europe.

Europe takes the focus for sales

Linda Tin, Assistant Merchandising Manager for candle accessories company CKK Industrial Ltd, an affiliate company of Hong Kong's Chu Kwun Kee Metal Manufactory Limited (CKK), said Ambiente was an opportunity to spot new trends.

Among the buyers visiting the company's stand was Frances Stone, one of the gift-buying team at UK greeting card and stationery retail multiple, Paperchase. "We're at the show to buy for the Autumn/Winter season, and naturally price points are even more important this year," she confirmed.

Tin: spotting new trends.

Origin Red storage boxes.

Among the first time exhibitors at Ambiente was Hong Kong firm Origin Red, supplier of mid- to high-end decorative storage boxes and home accessories. "We have been looking to find more buyers from Europe, and have seen a lot of quality buyers at the show. On the first day alone, we received enquiries from companies as far afield as Russia, Greece, Germany, Italy and Canada," said Senior Account Manager, Carrie Ng.

"Our strategy is to create products that have perceived value. So even though there is a global economic crisis, what we are offering is still affordable," Ng commented.

Another first time Hong Kong exhibitor was Modernize Creation Limited, whose products span antique and classic phones, decorative clocks and radios. "Previously, we have exhibited together with another company, but this time we took a stand on our own," explained Manager Jackey Chu.

"Overall, we've had more enquiries than orders because we've found that buyers are keen to see samples first. However, although 2009 is going to be more difficult, I believe that there are still plenty of opportunities out there. For example, we've had a lot of interest from Western Europe."

Makebest Industries Ltd also saw a busy show for its candles. "Buyers were looking for large wax-filled jars with wooden tops, as well as big pillar candles in fashion colours such as pinks, purples, reds, orange, turquoise and green," said Cathy Lo, Assistant Merchandiser.

Garden products from Eagle Resources.

However, Chinese wood and metal company Eagle Resources Trading Ltd, which sells metal pots, watering cans and sustainable wooden garden furniture, found the show quieter than last year. "Nevertheless, we did get a lot of interest in our products, mainly from European and American companies," confirmed CEO Kenneth Hong.

Quality, but not "green"

So what were international buyers looking for this year? "Design continues to be an increasingly important element in the buying decision," confirmed Messe Frankfurt's Nicolette Naumann. "Also, there is noticeably more demand for values such as quality and sustainability. What used to be a throwaway society is now looking for products that will last."

Home accessories from Kokopelli.

Interestingly, although eco-friendly products are at the forefront of many buyers' minds today, having become a permanent feature of modern lifestyles, only a handful of exhibitors promoted their green credentials at the show.

Among them was German lighting company Kokopelli, which launched a brand new Rio range of recycled decorative home accessories that included mirrors, photo frames, bowls, vases and candle holders made from waterproof-coated old newspapers.

"The range attracted enquiries from all over Europe," confirmed CEO Steffen Zuhl. "Products are unique and tie-in with the trend for furniture that is also being made in this way."

According to international stylists at Bora Herke, commissioned by Messe Frankfurt to create four room settings, styles set to dominate the gifts and home sector this year have an emotional impact which could be described as Feel Grace; Enjoy Calm; Stay Essential and Think Romantic.

Feel Grace feminine looks.

Enjoy Calm with edgy charm.

Feel Grace was very couture, very feminine, combining laid back luxury with fashion influences and beauty. Colours were light, pastel shades; embellishments included sequins and snake patterns, graphic designs and unusual animal images.

Enjoy Calm mixed old with new, with the focus on nature and a sustainable world. Products included basic wooden chairs and small items of furniture, combined with colours such as orange and green, giving it a retro feel.

Functional approach at Stay Essential.

Think Romantic products.

Stay Essential reflected functionality: neutral colours, such as black, and clean lines, but with decorative elements. Surfaces were high gloss, with avant garde lighting. Splashes of red kitchen utensils, for example, lifted the look.

Finally, Think Romantic focused on ultra pretty femininity, with full-blown florals for floor tiles and wallpaper set against a white background. The mood was "think pink", youth and colour, featuring lots of butterfly, floral and insect motifs. One of the chair surfaces was made from hundreds of pink tulle flowers.

Gifting section was young and dynamic.

The gifting section was visited by 49% of visitors, embracing a broad spectrum of products to include the popular sector Unlimited Gifts. Products reflected creativity and style in terms of everyday objects.

Among the exhibitors were Baden Import, Boltze and Hoff Interieur. Companies showcased stationery, leather goods, toys, arts and crafts and candles and candle accessories.

Ambiente, which ran from 13 to 17 February, saw 4,466 exhibitors showcase products at the 2009 show, compared to 4,580 in 2008.

from special correspondent Sue Marks, Frankfurt